Bond's `scoops' are architectural world first

A series of soaring concrete ‘scoops’ featured in Bond University’s Soheil Abedian School of Architecture building is a world first for architectural design and construction, and promises to showcase to students what is possible.

Complex in design and critical in the building’s structure, the ‘scoops’ have required international collaboration to create and play an integral role in the building’s aesthetic and functional design.

Architects Sir Peter Cook and Gavin Robotham of CRAB Studio, London, won an international competition to design the building in 2011. Mr Robotham said the complexity of the ‘scoops’ cannot be underestimated.

“The scoops have never been constructed before.  Creating them has required input from Germany to complete the formwork design, 3D modelling from our UK office to show how the scoops will function, and then sophisticated construction on and off site from ADCO to pour and build them,” explained Gavin Robotham.

“The scoops are the primary feature of the Soheil Abedian School of Architecture building.  Built as a long, airy loft with three levels and a floating mezzanine, there are four scoops that line an internal street.

“A unique feature of these scoops is the intimate, informal spaces that they create within the open plan design for students to do group work, study and exhibit,” he said.

Bond University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford said the ‘scoops’ and the building provide a real-life case study for our architectural students.

“The Soheil Abedian School of Architecture building has been designed to not only provide our students with a state-of-the-art facility that enriches their educational experience, but it is also intended to provide a creative space that inspires them and immerses them in the work they are learning about, ” said Professor Brailsford.

“The finish of this building will showcase their curriculum, exposing the raw products of concrete and timber joinery so students can see the theory come to life.  The floating mezzanine, spiral stair cases, internal street and scoops are just some of the design features that are expected to excite and stimulate,” he said.

The project is funded by the University with a generous gift from long-standing supporter and benefactor Soheil Abedian, after whom the School is named in recognition of his vision and support to create an architecture school of international standing.

A visionary architect himself, Soheil has been instrumental in influencing the architectural landscape of the Gold Coast as the man behind the Q1 building and Palazzo Versace. The Soheil Abedian School of Architecture building promises to continue that vision and attract international recognition for design excellence and innovation.

ADCO Constructions commenced onsite work earlier this year. The ancillary workshop area, which is behind the building, is complete with students expected to use the facilities later this year. Completed construction of the main building is expected in the first half of 2013, and follows ADCO’s successful construction of the Mirvac School of Sustainable Development building – Australia’s first six star green star building – in 2009.